Women in Arts and Music take centre stage for the return of WAMfest

WAMfest is back. The Felixstowe-centric festival celebrating women in the arts will take place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September 2022 at a range of venues across the town.

Third place in the East Anglian Festival Network’s favourite Suffolk Festivals of 2021 this year’s WAMfest line-up is again full of inspirational acts and talent including singers and performers, choirs, visual artists and authors, with the aim of providing a platform for their talents and to support the growth of arts and culture in the community.

The weekend will kick off at La Vida, Felixstowe’s newest nightspot, with a spectacular performance by Big Mama Funk. Other headliners across the weekend will include the internationally acclaimed Soprano Christina Johnston, Felixstowe Harmonies and the Ipswich Reggae Choir.

Visual artists will be represented with an exhibition at 142 Gallery in Hamilton Road, the inaugural Art on the Beach festival at Beach Street and a new mural near Great Eastern Square by celebrated artist Catalina Carvajal, who is also responsible for WAMfest’s beautiful flyers and artwork.

On Sunday there will be music, literature and lunchtime theatre at The Orwell Hotel and The Triangle before the entertainment moves to the Two Sisters Arts Centre in Trimley for an evening of music to close the event. More artists are still to be confirmed.

“The ultimate vision is to create a sustainable annual event that supports female musicians, performers, visual artists and authors and to give a platform to present their work at live events,” said organiser Laura Locke.

“The first WAMfest was a positive and vibrant opportunity to showcase the town while    supporting the tourism economy and the equality and diversity agenda,” added Laura.

“Women are traditionally under-represented at music and arts festivals. This community event will continue to support them, and the town, and we can’t wait to welcome more than one hundred performers who have become part of the WAMfest family.”

Thanks to Felixstowe Town Council for their very welcome support. Should you be interested in sponsorship/partnership with WAMfest, for instance for the brand new mural to be created, please email lauralocke222@googlemail.com.

Details of the full line-up, venues and running order are being finalised and will be announced on the WAMfest website. Check www.wamfestfelixstowe.art for all you need to know and to book your tickets. Ticket link will be live from 1^st August 2022.